Building Envelope & Structural Inspections with LiDAR
Comprehensive envelope inspections, deflection analysis and structural assessments using advanced LiDAR.
Traditional structural inspection is somebody with binoculars, a clipboard and a very optimistic view of what human eyes can spot at 40 metres. LiDAR changes the economics: for the cost of two site visits from a structural engineer, you get a millimetre-accurate 3D record that reveals deflection, out-of-plumb columns, façade bulging and settlement long before they are visible to the naked eye.
In Québec, façade inspections are governed by the Régie du bâtiment's façade safety program (buildings 5+ storeys and older than 5 years must be inspected every 5 years). DCMS crews support these inspections in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil and the surrounding region with LiDAR-based capture that dramatically speeds up the diagnostic and reporting workload for the responsible engineer.
What LiDAR reveals that visual inspection misses
- Sub-centimetre deflection of beams and slabs invisible to the eye
- Out-of-plumb walls that reveal foundation settlement
- Façade bulging and displacement across large elevations
- Roof deformation under snow load or long-term creep
- Chimney tilt and heritage element movement
- Cracks and displacements mapped at scale, not spot-checked
- Historic vs. current shape comparisons for court-ready evidence
Inspection types we deliver
- Envelope condition assessments — façades, roofs, glazing
- Structural deflection analysis — beams, slabs, cantilevers
- Movement monitoring — repeat scans on a defined cadence
- Post-event assessments — after fire, impact or seismic activity
- Heritage façade documentation for restoration projects
- Loi 122 (RBQ Chapter VIII) façade inspection support for engineers of record
A typical façade inspection workflow
For a mid-rise Montréal building, the LiDAR-supported workflow looks like this. It runs faster than swing-stage or drone-only inspection and produces a more defensible record.
- Pre-inspection walk with the engineer of record
- Ground-based LiDAR of all elevations from public and private property
- Drone LiDAR of upper elevations and roof
- High-resolution photogrammetry mesh overlaid on the point cloud
- Engineer review — defects tagged in 3D, not just in photos
- Report generation with quantified displacements and areas
- Optional annual re-scan for comparison over time
How to interpret a deflection report
A good deflection report should never make you squint at a Revit view. Ours are written for owners, not just engineers.
- Colour-coded heat maps showing displacement magnitude in mm
- Written interpretation from the engineer of record
- Comparison against building code allowable limits
- Recommended actions grouped by urgency (monitor / repair / restrict)
- Photographs cross-referenced to the 3D model
Common Montréal triggers for a LiDAR structural inspection
- 5-year Loi 122 façade cycle coming up
- New crack observed by a tenant or building manager
- Recent seismic event (yes, we do get them in Québec)
- Ice or snow load beyond design assumptions
- Adjacent construction (excavation, deep foundations)
- Insurance claim or expert opinion required
- Sale of a building requiring pre-purchase due diligence
Explore related DCMS services and projects
Every capture project usually connects to two or three of these — click through for the details.
Frequently asked questions
Do LiDAR inspections replace an engineer's report?+
No — they support one. DCMS captures the data and provides the 3D analysis; the engineer of record signs the report. We work directly with your engineer or refer one.
Is LiDAR accepted for Loi 122 façade inspections?+
Yes. The RBQ program requires an engineer's report but does not prescribe capture method. LiDAR is increasingly the default for mid- and high-rise inspections in Montréal.
How much movement can LiDAR detect?+
For repeat scans on a stable control network we reliably detect 2–3 mm of movement over an entire façade.
Do you need scaffolding or a swing stage?+
Rarely. Most façades are captured from the ground and from drones. Contact with the building itself is only needed for material sampling.
How long does a typical mid-rise façade inspection take?+
One to two days of on-site capture for a 10–15 storey building. Reporting is typically two to three weeks including engineer review.
Can you monitor over multiple years?+
Yes. Repeat scans on the same control network produce direct year-over-year deflection deltas. This is our standard product for hospitals, bridges and heritage assets.
Do you support post-event inspections?+
Yes. We can mobilize a Montréal crew within 24 hours after a fire, impact or storm event.
Can the report be used in court?+
Yes. Our reports are prepared to a standard suitable for expert testimony and have supported multiple insurance and litigation matters.
We also serve these areas
Crews mobilize daily across Greater Montréal. We regularly run building & structural inspections projects in Vieux-Montréal, Downtown Montréal and out to the West Island. Same scope, local logistics — pick your neighbourhood below.
Browse other DCMS capabilities
All services are delivered by the same in-house engineering team, so scopes can be combined into a single mobilization.
LiDAR, Photogrammetry & Drone Surveying
High-precision 3D laser scanning, aerial drone surveys and photogrammetry for comprehensive site documentation.
As-Built Documentation & Reality Capture
Fast, accurate as-built surveys delivering AutoCAD plans and Revit BIM models with industry-leading turnaround times.
Digital Twins & BIM Models
Cloud-hosted digital twins and BIM coordination models (LOD 200–300) for long-term asset management.
Engineering Consulting & Technical Analysis
Expert engineering analysis, technical diagnostics and MEP system documentation for retrofit and renovation.
Forensics, Condition Assessment & Remedial Planning
Technical investigations, heritage documentation and condition reports for remedial engineering.
Petrochemical / Mining / Aggregates Services
Specialized volumetric analysis, plant documentation and safety compliance for heavy industry operations.
Book a structural or façade inspection in Montréal
Send us the address, storey count and inspection driver. We will scope a Loi 122–compliant LiDAR inspection within one business day.